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Puerto Ricans Vote for Statehood

With the disastrous second electoral triumph of Barack Obama still sinking in, here`s some more news to chew on. For the first time, Puerto Ricans have voted for statehood. Just what we need – more Democratic votes in the Electoral College, right?

This is from the BBC:

Voters in Puerto Rico have supported a non-binding referendum to become a full US state.The measure will require approval from the US Congress, but President Barack Obama has said he will respect the vote….Almost 80% of the island`s electorate took part in the referendum, the fourth in the past 45 years.With almost all the votes counted, almost 54% voted to change the island`s relationship with the US.And in reply to a second question on what future they favoured, nearly two-thirds wanted full statehood.If Congress grants its approval, Puerto Ricans would have the right to vote in all US elections, but would also have to pay federal taxes, something at present they are excused from…A young voter in the capital San Juan, Jerome Lefebre, said: “Puerto Rico has to be a state. There is no other option. “We`re doing okay, but we could do better. We would receive more benefits, a lot more financial help.”

Did you get that part about the “benefits” and “financial help”?

President Barack Obama, who visited the island last year, has said he will respect the will of Puerto Ricans if there is a clear majority.Any change would require approval by the US Congress, but no territory has ever been denied a petition for admission to the States. Puerto Rico wants to become the 51st state of the US BBC, Nov. 7th, 2012